yann in the arctic

Monday, 18 August 2008

urg moan moan rant rant

Most of my class is now off on a second biology cruise (marine biology)- this time round they are off to the north of Svalbard and beyond (aim is to reach the sea ice). Unfortunately I'm not taking that module, and so I'm missing out on the coolest cruise ever. Apparently there has only ever been one year where polar bear were not spotted. I'm so gutted. In a sense I hope they do not see any polar bears, but then again it would be a shame if they didn't.

And so, because of my combination of course I have over a week of nothing. And when I say nothing I mean nothing. I am currently stuck in Nybyen (student accommodation found 3km out of town) and there is nothing to do. The town is so small and takes ages to get to (I really need to get a bike) and all my classmates are gone! There is only a handful of us here, and some have projects to complete.

I'm really annoyed because I am currently living in the most spectacular place ever, but because I have no rifle I am not allowed anywhere out of town. I can see glaciers from my window, but there is not point taking the risk - bears were spotted nearby back in Spring. UNIS have no rifle to rent out as they are all currently being used. I always have the option of renting one out (£15 a day) which isn't too bad I guess, but then there aren't many people to go hiking with. I think I will apply for a rifle license tomorrow.

Also, what really annoying me is that I failed my driving licence a few months ago which basically means I am not allowed to drive a snow scooter. I will investigating what the rules are in regards to this. I just feel so disabled - I don't really want to depend on others to get around in the winter. I have all the equipment in the world and have most of the skills needed to explore the wilderness, but somehow I'm feeling disabled to actually do anything!

Maybe I'm moaning a bit too much here, but really when I say there is nothing here, there really is nothing. I think I might join the gym.

Hmmm since I have been locked up in town for a few days now I don't really have many photos... except one after a night out! The first was taken at midnight and the other at 2AM. Quite funny I guess.